Guide to the Archives of the City of Seattle

Record Group 8100
Transportation Department

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) was formed by combining transportation planning from the former Strategic Planning Office (SPO) with the former Seattle Transportation Department (SeaTran) to bring a more comprehensive approach to transportation service delivery. A major element of SDOT's creation was the establishment of the Policy, Planning, and Major Project's division, which is charged with transportation system planning and providing increased control and influence over major projects under construction in Seattle.

SDOT is currently organized into eight divisions. The Director's Office, Human Resources, and Communications constitute the Executive management division. The Capital Projects and Roadway Structures division includes the Transportation Capital Improvement Program and operation and maintenance of the city's bridges and other structures. Street Use & Urban Forestry provides permitting for all work including planting, pruning, and removal of trees. Responsibility for long-range transportation planning, and developing transportation policy for the city of Seattle falls to the Policy & Planning division. Initiation of large projects and program development is lead by the Major Projects division. Financial oversight of the department, information systems and administrative support is directed by the Resource Management division. The Street Maintenance division has responsibility for street resurfacing, cleaning and general maintenance and Traffic Management is responsible for operation of the city's street system, and neighborhood and operational programs.

This department has had a long evolution beginning with the Department of Streets and Sewers which was responsible for planning, construction, repair, and cleaning of the City's streets, sidewalks, and sewers. City Council appointed Seattle's first Street Commissioner in 1875. The position came under the jurisdiction of the Board of Public Works in 1890. The position of Superintendent of Streets, Sewers and Parks was established in 1896; authority over parks was removed in 1904. In 1936 the Engineering Department assumed the responsibilities of the Department of Streets and Sewers and the Traffic Department and the Department became the Maintenance Division of the Engineering Department.

An ordinance creating a Department of Transportation was passed in July 1971. The legislation provided for the appointment of the Director of Transportation, specified the duties of the Transit Advisory Board, provided for the Seattle Transit Commission, and transferred all remaining operational aspects to the newly organized department. The Seattle Transportation Department was created in 1997 when the traffic and transportation functions of the Engineering Department were consolidated. By June 2002, SDOT and SPO consolidated to form a newly organized department which absorbed responsibilities for maintenance and operation of streets, bridges, retaining walls and seawalls, and traffic control systems in the City. An ordinance passed in 2004 changed the department's name to Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT).

8100-01
Administration and Communication Division - Transportation Projects Digital Photographs
2005-2007

Digital photographs of various neighborhoods and sites in Seattle including: Wallingford, downtown, and Capitol Hill; Alaskan Way Viaduct dynamic message signs; bridges; Washington State ferries; other neighborhood scenes; and 2006 windstorm photographs.

8100-01 in Photograph Index
Finding Aid

8100-02
Departmental Publications
1995-2007
0.4 cubic foot

Publications produced by SDOT, including employee newsletters, project updates, and brochures.

SMA
Folder List

8100-03
Director's Subject Files
1965-2005
8.4 cubic feet

Predominantly files of Director Grace Crunican regarding transportation projects and issues, including the Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement, Seattle Monorail Project, South Lake Union area, Mercer Street corridor and streetcars. Also documented are regional transportation issues involving Sound Transit, Link Light Rail, Puget Sound Regional Council and a Regional Transportation Investment District. Records include subject files, studies, reports, correspondence, briefing material, trip files, departmental and mayoral meeting agendas.

SMA
Folder List
Finding Aid

8101-10
Capital Projects and Roadway Structures Digital Photographs
2000-2004

Digital photographs documenting the construction of the West Galer Flyover Project in Interbay. 545 images detail the construction process of the overpass from early in the project, showing construction progress through the completion of the structure. Includes construction machinery and work crews.

8101-10 in Photograph Index
Finding Aid

8111-01
Major Projects Digital Photographs
2007-1009

The South Lake Union Streetcar launched in December 2008 with an event sponsored by SDOT and attended by Mayor Nickels. Photographs document the community celebration the first streetcar trip from Westlake Station with Mayor Nickels, Council-members, and other elected officials on board.

8111-01 in Photograph Index
Finding Aid